Penn State strapped on the pads and got physical at practice for the first time over the weekend. The session featured physical goal-line action and offense vs. defense drills and some live 11-on-11 snaps.

It was a breath of fresh air for players and coaches after five days of football in shorts.

"It was great, man," said center Ty Howle. "A lot of intensity out there, guys playing hard. Defense brought it. Offense stepped up. We've got to keep bringing that intensity and keep bringing our game to the next level.

"We're coming along. We're taking where we left off in the spring, we're building upon it and just getting better on the little technical things. Just getting better as a whole, really working together as one unit."

A video posted to Penn State's athletics website offered a first glimpse of Hackenberg's skills. He connected twice with fellow five-star freshman recruit Adam Breneman, once on a jump ball down the sideline and once as a safety valve with defenders at his feet.

The Nittany Lions continue practice this week and approach the general time frame coach Bill O'Brien gave for naming a starting quarterback. Whether Hackenberg wins the job or not, that connection with Breneman is a source of excitement for PSU fans everywhere.